Chondroitin sulfate is a chemical that is normally found in cartilage around joints in the body. Chondroitin sulfate is usually manufactured from animal sources, such as shark and cow cartilage.

Uses

Chondroitin sulfate is used for osteoarthritis and cataracts. It is often used in combination with other ingredients, including manganese ascorbate, hyaluronic acid, or glucosamine.

Chondroitin sulfate is also taken by mouth, applied to the skin, and given as a shot for many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Safety concerns

When taken by mouth: Chondroitin sulfate is LIKELY SAFE. Chondroitin sulfate has been taken by mouth safely for up to 6 years. It can cause some mild stomach pain and nausea. Other side effects that have been reported are bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headache, swollen eyelids, leg swelling, hair loss, skin rash, and irregular heartbeat.

When applied to the skin: Chondroitin sulfate is POSSIBLY SAFE when applied to the skin in combination with glucosamine sulfate, shark cartilage, and camphor for up to 8 weeks.

When placed into the eye: Chondroitin sulfate is LIKELY SAFE when used as an eye solution during cataract surgery.

When given as a shot: Chondroitin sulfate is POSSIBLY SAFE when injected into the muscle as a shot, short-term.

There is some concern about the safety of chondroitin sulfate because it comes from animal sources. Some people are worried that unsafe manufacturing practices might lead to contamination of chondroitin products with diseased animal tissues, including those that might transmit bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease). So far, there are no reports of chondroitin causing disease in humans, and the risk is thought to be low.

Some chondroitin products contain excess amounts of manganese. Ask your healthcare professional about reliable brands.

Special precautions & warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if chondroitin sulfate is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Asthma: There is some concern that chondroitin sulfate might make asthma worse. If you have asthma, use chondroitin sulfate cautiously.

Blood clotting disorders: In theory, administering chondroitin sulfate might increase the risk of bleeding in people with blood clotting disorders.